Signs of Lawyer / Judge Impairment

Signs that suggest a Lawyer/Judge may be impaired due to a disease and/or other condition affecting his or her health may vary according to the type of problem, its severity and the stage of development.

ATTENDANCE PROBLEMS:

Often late and/or leaving early

Taking “long lunches” and/or not returning after lunch

Missing appointments or scheduled appearances

Taking frequent days off without good reason

PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS

Missed deadlines

Inadequate follow-through

Decreased efficiency

Lack of attention

Poor judgment

Inability to concentrate

General difficulty with recall

Difficulty getting started

Does not return phone calls

Complaints from staff and/or clients

Poor performance in afternoon

Blaming others for mistakes

Making excuses for poor performance

GENERAL BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE PROBLEMS:

Deterioration of personal appearance or hygiene; large weight gain or loss

Persistent complaints of not feeling well

Withdrawal or avoidance of others

Insomnia, falls asleep at work, complains about not sleeping

Unable to retain, or often fires, secretary, associate or other staff

Overreacts to real or imagined criticism; other problems with supervisor